Mike Ditka coached the 1985 Chicago Bears to their first NFL championship since 1963, when he played tight end for owner-coach George Halas. The Hall of Famer, 71, chatted with USA TODAY's Jon Saraceno about Da Bears before their 25th Super Bowl anniversary reunion in Chicago this weekend.

The legend of Jerry Rice reached completion on Labor Day when he announced his retirement from football. Although Rice will be remembered for the numerous records he set during his career, many agree that the records set was because of Rice's strong determination and work ethic.

Shaken San Francisco teammates still don't know what caused offensive lineman Thomas Herrion to collapse in the locker room and die shortly after Saturday night's exhibition game against Denver. Toxicology tests are planned. The 49ers will hold a memorial service on Tuesday.

Jerry Rice used to run practice routes straight to the end zone out here. Joe Montana, when he wasn't flinging spirals, would entertain himself by trying to lob balls of tape through the holes at the top of the uprights underhanded. And during any given practice, there was Ronnie Lott engaged in chalk talk with Charles Haley.